“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.”

- Proverbs

Woke this morning at 3:45 with a favorite client as my primary preoccupation. They found out yesterday that their biggest account that they built their budget around for 2018, just pushed the work they were doing for them out another 12 months. We’re still in February and they have to completely start over on their plan for the year. They are understandably concerned.

I know exactly what that feels like. It tests nearly every conviction and core belief you have. Going through a similar crisis a few years ago at the helm of a small company was one of the most challenging and transforming experiences of my career.

While I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone,

I wouldn’t have changed what happened for anything.

I’m still spending the experiential currency from that season.

It is ripe for new thinking and opportunities, exploring boundaries, and marking new frontiers. It requires a large measure of humility and an even larger one of faith. This season of stretching and exploration will be one of the most defining of their company’s history. They will not only be changed by the experience, but will be better for it.

Unlike many other’s that find themselves in this situation, they…

enjoy a great reputation and respect for their work

carry an enthusiastic customer base that they largely haven’t prospected for referrals

have a mature understanding of their values, purpose, and ultimate value proposition

are working toward a clear vision and are tackling the necessary goals/initiatives that will help them get there

have lots of wise counsel around them to help them navigate the storm

most importantly, are walking with God

They’ve already reached out for help. That is a such a great sign of humility and openness. And there are so many assurances I want to make, but the normal things that faith-based folks like us say in situations like these can feel so empty and contrived.

So I won’t tell them, but I will tell you.

Walk with God.

Operate with humility.

Lean on Him.

Seek wise counsel.

Find a deeper level of faith.

Rest in hope that transcends understanding.

While a famous general said that the best-articulated battle plan doesn’t survive the first engagement, I have been up for hours working on one. I can’t wait to wade into this challenge with these guys.

I’m ready to spend some more of that currency.

We’re going to get through this. Time to determine next steps and get to work. I can’t wait to tell you all about it on the other side.

Consider

100% guaranteed: you will face challenges and difficulty this year. Are you ready?

Do you know who you are? Are you methodically working toward a better future?

Are you surrounded by wise counsel and the trusted advice of others?

Do you have the humility to receive the counsel of others and the direction of your God?